Crispy Cheese Bites: The Ultimate Air-Fryer Recipe!

Recipe Details

Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
12 cheese bites

Ingredients

  • 1egg, lightly beaten

  • 1tablespoonwater

  • ½cupall-purpose flour

  • ½teaspoonsalt

  • ½teaspoondried Italian seasoning

  • ¾cuppanko bread crumbs

  • 6mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half, crosswise

  • cooking spray

  • ¾cupmarinara sauce

  • ¼teaspooncrushed red pepper (Optional)

Cooking Directions

  1. Whisk egg and water together in a shallow dish. Stir flour, salt, and Italian seasoning together in another shallow dish. Place bread crumbs in a third shallow dish.

  2. Dip cheese sticks into egg mixture, then coat with flour mixture. Dip again into egg mixture, then into bread crumbs until coated. Place on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1 hour.

  3. Preheat an air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

  4. Place frozen cheese bites in a single layer in the air fryer, working in batches if necessary, being careful not to crowd.

  5. Cook in the preheated air fryer until golden brown and cheese just begins to melt, 4 to 6 minutes. Repeat with remaining bites.

  6. Meanwhile, stir together marinara sauce and crushed red pepper.

  7. Serve mozzarella bites with marinara sauce.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Cook’s Note:

To make ahead, instead of cooking in the air fryer, transfer frozen cheese bites to a freezer container and freeze up to 1 month. Remove from freezer and cook in air fryer, as directed.

Editor’s Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual amount of breading consumed will vary.

Nutrition Facts

Full Nutrition Label
Servings Per Recipe6
Calories183
% Daily Value *
Total Fat
7g
9%
Saturated Fat
4g
18%
Cholesterol
46mg
15%
Sodium
574mg
25%
Total Carbohydrate
23g
8%
Dietary Fiber
1g
4%
Total Sugars
3g
Protein
11g
22%
Vitamin C
1mg
1%
Calcium
236mg
18%
Iron
1mg
6%
Potassium
147mg
3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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Dish Photos